FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 21, 22 December 1928, Page 5

FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

THE CLOSING YEAR

VGRICULTURE AND PROSPERITY. (By Ploughshare.) At the, dawn of the present year the hope was- expressed in these columns that a period of brighter prospects for the farmer had been ushered in and that the menacing clouds of depression would give place to the sunshine of prosperity. To a very large extent this hope has been realised'.and the year just about, to close ■will mark the turning point whore • industry and perseverance will come into their just reward. With the exception of the first quarter of the year, when continuous dry weather prevailed, the climatic conditions have been all that could desired to promote production, with the result that in every main de-partment-of exportable produce the year's output promises to reach record proportions.

Due recognition must also be given to the important part that farmers themselves have played in increasing the output of the land under tlipir care .by putting into practice new methods of management which have by experiment and investigation been proved to be of value. Under the stress "of adverse conditions and a lower level of prices for produce, the farmer has met the situation by accepting the assistance and advice of ■cientists who have made a special study of the problems so as to aid him in his work, and therein lies the great hope for the future. Many practices in agriculture which served their day and generation are not now efficient, and are gradually being replaced by newer ideas which to some extent act as a set off to climatic and other conditions over which no control ca'n be exercised. Like all other enterprises, there can be no standing still in agricultural development if success is to be won. So long as determination is shown to overcome obstacles that hinder development and progress, the reward of industry and application will be reflected in achievement. Entering into this new era of development, the farming pursuits in New Zealand are in good hands and there is no need to fear the future.

Another reason for gratification is the high level o£ quality that has been gained for the farm produce sent to oversea markets. In competition with products from other countries none is held in greater esteem than or commands the same attention as is shown by retailers and consumers to our main lines of export, and while this high- standard is maintained there is no danger of over-produc-tion because there will always be a- demand for goods of the best quality. As a fitting reward for increased production and the maintenance of quality, prices may be regarded as quite satisfactory and will show a reasonable margin ci profit. Not for many years has the outlook been as bright as it is to-day, ancl as a result there is a buoyant and optimistic spirit prevailing, which in itself must prove an important contributing factor in placing agricultural pursuits In the Dominion on a firmer foundation. With the recollection of the trail of disaster which followed a boom period still fresh in the mind, it is to be sincerely hoped that the turn in the tide towards prosperity will not cause an undue inflation in land values. This is a danger which is always threatening in times of prosperity, and every purchase or tenancy should be considered on the proved productive value. There are many farmers who are still labouring under the impost of heavy interest charges on land acquired beyond its value; therefore, a word of caution may not be out of place to those intending to invest money in land tli at they avoid accepting a liability which is not justified. Next week we will be in the midst of the festive season when all sections of the community will find relaxation from their labours and seek to find enjoyment acording to their respective inclinations. By the nature of his work the farmer cannot go far afield at this time of the year, but doubtless all will make the best of their opportunities. In the future as in the past he holds a position of great responsibility in the destiny of this richly endowed country where agriculture is the key industry which brings prosperity to all. In this season of the year may he enjoy every delight and satisfaction that successful accomplishment can give, and look forward to the future with pleasure in the knowledge that he is doing his part in making the most of a splendid heritage.

INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENT. IN FARM AND FACTORY. It is a fairly well recognised fact that most people are unconsciously influenced by their surroundings. This is well illustrated in the endeavours made by town planning societies to so plan and develop growing centres of population as to create harmony in the style of architecture of the buildings and to provide open spaces wherein flower gardens and shrubberies delight the eye and provide restful open spaces for the inhabitants. Towns and cities modelled on modern lines where every residence i 3 set in a surrounding ot flowers become at once a source of pride to the residents and of envy to visitors from the centres less fortunately provided. No better example of this beautiful feature can be found than that which is presented in Palmerston North with its numerous parks, broad streets and well kept gardens. The civic authorities take no small pride in preserving the appearance of this growing city and a spirit of emulation is everywhere apparent in the efforts put forth by residents to beautify their homo surroundings. In other centres the same spirit is displayed and visitors •from • the'countries have bestowed the warmest praise bn the well kept appearance which has resulted, In this respect the towns have set a splendid example to residents {'of the surrounding countryside by bringing into prominence the effect of a well ordered system which creates a 6ense of pride. Generally speaking, the farm lands in the .Manawatu present a well kept appearance and contain many beautiful homesteads set in attractive and comfortable environment. There are, however, many farms which show a neglected condition, with fences in bad repair, few if any trees either ornamental or for shelter, and as often as not no flower or vegetable gardens. Very often, it is true, the conditions under which some farmers have to work with regard to tenure or finance aro not conducive to tho expenditure of much labour and effort in anything in the nature of creating permanent improvements to tho properties under their charge, but even with this admission it would be possible for much improvement to be made if the desire is strong enough. Nothing indicates the individuality of the farmer more than the appearance of his property. Fences that are allowed to fall into a bad state of repair aro a continual course of trouble with stock and often create disputes with neighbours, whereas a little regular attention not only avoids trouble but considerably enhances the value and appearance of tho property. The p of small plantations of trees has a similar effect and adds to the comfort of the stock by providing shade and shelter besides adding to the beauty of the landscape. Much of the untidiness on farms is prevented when proper provision is made for buildings for housing implements when not in use. It has been truly said that only a rich man can aftord to l° a , . able machinery lying outside exp all kinds of weather. A place foi y thing and everything in its P lac ° .* good motto and is sound from a bus me point of view. Once the habit of has been acquired it unconsciously on the owner and his workmen by stimulating them to greater efficiency m every department of' their work besides sotting an example to the neighbours. - What has been said of the beautifying of town and country dwellings with Peasant surroundings has been put into pi tice by many large manufacturing concerns with ' decidedly beneficial results to tho workmen, who take a greater pri in their work because of the uplift game by being placed in a pleasing environment. , Throughout the country there are numerous dairy factories, many of which have been built at considerable outlay of easn. These buildings are doubtless quite efficient for the purpose for which they havo beon erected, but too often the external

appearance does not appeal to the eye. Without much expense, great improvements could be made in this respect by planting vacant plots of ground with trees or by laying out small flower beds. The display of a little enthusiasm by boards of directors in encouraging the factory staff to take an interest in the outside as well as the inside, appearance of the factory would, doubtless, find a ready response. It is generally recognised that when once a start is made with a good work willing assistance soon comes along to aid the endeavour. If the dairy factory 6uroundings were made attractive it would gradually influence suppliers to improve their own homes, and do much to make country living more attractive than it is in many districts at the present time.

With a vievi to promoting activity in this direction the Waikato Winter Show Association proposes to hold a competition for the most beautiful dairy factory when the contest will be decided on the following points: 1. The condition of main buildings and outbuildings, having special regard to painting and maintenance of woodwork, brickwork and -roofs. 2. Method and condition of appliances for disposing of waste products. 3. Condition of all roads and pathways, and. storage of materials. 4. Condition of entrance, gates, fences and live fences. 5. Ornamental trees, shrubs and flowerbeds. 6. Work done by managers, employees or suppliers in the form of experimental plots of supplementary fodders grown on the factory grounds, points to be awarded in reepect of experimental value, number of varieties, quality of crop 'and general layout of plots. I Photographs of all dairy factories entering for the competition will be taken at date of entry and again 12 months hence, so that comparisons of conditions may be noted. A competition such as that outlined above may commend itself to the Manawatu A. and P. Association with the idea of stimulating greater interest in country life., GISBORNE ORCHARDISTS. UNFORTUNATE SEASON. This season has been, a most unfortunate one for Poverty Bay orchardists. Not only are many of the crops lighter than last season, but the conditions have been most favourable for the appearance of diseases. Early- in the season when rain was required there was none, and just as the growers were about to get on with their spraying operations a wet period set in. Conditions are now most favourable to the growth of black spot, and great care will have to be exercised to, prevent the disease assuming serious proportions, states a Gisborne exchange. RISE IN STOCK VALUES. WHAT IT MEANS IN POVERTY BAY. The . Poverty Bay Herald reports : The rise in stock values this season must represent an enormous amount in the aggregate to Poverty Bay farmers, for it is estimated that the increase has been quite substantial. An estimate was given the other day by a man enaged in the stock business that young sheep had advanced in value up to as much as 5s a head over the prices ruling last season, while older sheep wore worth approximately 3s more on an average. Beef prices had altered little from the closing rates of last year, he indicated, but if there was any change at all it had been for the better from the point of view of those with cattle to sell. Store cattle, on the other hand, as a result mainly of the abundance of feed on the sations, had risen in value from about £2 to £2 10s a head. On the assumption that 400,000 sheep will leave the district this season, including those in the hoof and as mutton carcases, "approximately £BO,OOO more will come into the district for sheep alone than was the case last season, when stock prices were by no means low. This, combined with the good markets for wool and butter, should mean much to the prosperity of the district. DAIRY PRODUCE. Dalgety and Co., Ltd.', have received the following report from London dated December 20:—Butter: Market firm. New Zealand finest 6alted 184 s to 186 s (180 s to 186 s) • Australian finest unsalted 184 sto 186 s (182 sto 186 s); Australian finest salted 182 s to 184 s (180 s to 182 s); Australian G.A.Q. 176 sto 178 s (172 sto 1765). Danish, quotations nominal. Cheese: Australian cheese white 96s to 97s (not quoted); Australian cheese coloured 98s to 99s (not quoted); New Zealand cheese white 96s to 98s (98s to 98s); New Zealand coloured 935 -to 100 s (98s to 100 s). Spot price for Canadian. White and coloured 108 sto 112 s (108 s to 112 s). Market steady, at present prices. Last week’s quotations are shown in parentheses. WELLINGTON PRODUCE MARKET. (By Telegraph.—Special to “Standard.” WELLINGTON, Doc. 21! There is a good supply of fowl wheat at 7s to 7s 2d per bushel. . Potatoes have slumped badly owing, to the heavy over supply from the north and locally. Good lines are obtainable at 6a per ■ cwt., and there are sales also at 5s per CV Thero is a fair supply of good quality : Australian onions at 14s to 18s per cwt. ) Chaff.—Blenheim oat sheaf is unchanged at £7 10s per ton. . , . Oats arc slow in demand at 4s od to 4s 6d per bushel. Bran.— £B 10s per ton. Pollard.—£lo 15s per ton. Maize.—6s lOd to 7s per bushel; crushed imported, 5s lOd to 6s. exchange rates.

(British Official Wireless). RUGBY, Dec. 20. Foreign rates of exchange on December 20 as compared with par rates, or as averaged first half of 1914, are as follow: Dec. 20. Par.

WHEAT GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. Mr Robert McPherson manager of Messrs Murray, Roberts and Co.’s InvercarMlt branch, has been appointed manager of fho New Zealand Wheat Grower,s’ Associa- „ which will control the wheat pool, states a Press Association telegram from Christchurch. BRADFORD MARKET. (Australian 20 . T h ß^ f rScl 8 ’Quotations’: 50’s, 29d; 46’ 3 ; 23id; 40’s, '22ie-

WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE. SALE DURING THE WEEK. The Wellington Stock Exchange closed on; Thursday for the year-end vacation. In the first four days of the week a good many sales wore effected. Government securities were firni, but there was little business done. The 5i per cents (1933) changed hands at £lO6 17s 6d., and the 54 per cents (1936) at £lOl 12s 6d. New Zealand Browcries stock sold at 25s 9d and Milne and Choyco at 265. Bank shares closed very strong, with sales of Bank of Adelaide at £lO, Union Bank at £ls 12s, English, Scottish and Australian Bank at £8 10s 6d and £8 lis, Commercial Bank of Australia at 30s 8d and 30s 9d. National Bank of Australasia, £5 paid, at £9 7s, £9 6s 6d and £9 7s 6d, Bank of New South Wales at £SO 10s, Bank of New Zealand at 61s 6d, 61s 8d 61s 9d and 625, Commercial Bank of Sydney at £283 2s 6d, National Bank of New Zealand at £7 2s and £7 4s, and Australian Bank of Commorce at 33s 9d. National Insurance shares closed with three sales at 16s 3d. New Zealand Insurance were in very strong demand and several parcels changed hands at 465, 4bs 3d, 47s and 46s 9d. South British Insurance were quoted at 64s 9d. , Financial shares have been slow and there was little business done in them during the week. Dalgety and Co sold at £ls 4s 6d and £ls ss, National Mortgage at 88s 6d and Wellington Trust and Loan at £7 Is 6d. , Interest in gas shares seems to be reviving and good business was recorded during the week. Ashburton Gas sold at £5 3s 6d, Christchurch Gas at 26s 10s, 26s 6d, 26s -3d, 25s 9d and 26s 9d, and Auckland Gas at 23s 9d: . Meat shares have received more atten tion in recent weeks and the sates made this week wore: New Zealand Refrigerating, 10s paid, at 9s 5d and 9s 2d and Southland Frozen Meat, ordinary, at 38s bd. In coal shares business was confined, to Renown Collieries, the ordinary changing hands at 15s and the preference at 2s Bd. Brewery shares were very active especiall/New Zealand Breweries, ofwhich 16 parcels sold at 575, 57s 6d 57s lOd 57s 9d, 57s 6d., Staples and Co at 41s 6d, and Timaru Brewery rights at 3s and 3s 4d. There was fairly. heavy trading in the miscellaneous section Fourteen parcels of British Tobacco shares changed hands at 45s and 45s 3d, Electrolytic Zinc, ordinary, sold at 35s', Taranaki Oil at 5s 5d and 5s 6d, Beath and Co rights at 5s lOd 5s lid and 6s, Auckland Amusement Park, ordinal, at 3s andl 3s M, Holdon's.Motor Body Builders at 29s 4d and 29s 9d, and Sanford, Ltd.. at 17s 6d. DUNEDIN AVOOL SALE. GOOD PRICES REALISED. Per Press Association , DUNEDIN, Dec. 21. Features of the first Dunedin wool eale of the 1928-29 selling season which held to-day, were a good f mand .with steadv and at times animated bidding Dy a fufl bench of buyers, an exceptionally good clearance and satisfactory prices which were slightly better for certain classes of wool than those that have been secured at the northern centres. . The combined catalogues offered to-day included 22,650 bales, an increase o£ about 2000 on the first offering last season. Had it not been for broken weather this month, .which delayed.shearing operations, the amount available for this sale would have been easily 27,000 The wool was in heavier condition on the whole than was the case at the December Tale last year, due no doubt, to the fine open winter which enabled .stock to be kept in the best of oondrtion. This is shown by the growth and grease in the present clip. Taken all. over, the wools were not" so attractive in appearance and many halfbred lots, particularly halfbred hoggets, showed the effects of good ieedine bv being Must a little too deep-grown for their quality. Bidding was steady throughout the sale. Good wool' occasioned animation, but anything shabby roused no spirited competition. Quality lots were not hard to sell, but sorts showing' lack of breeding, poor colour and over-heavy dition commanded/scant attention. Continental and American buyers were much more in evidence than Bradford, tho former being keen to secure halfbreds and the latter taking large quantities of crossbred "As in former years,. pieces attracted Continental bidding. Local mills competed keenly for lots suited to .their purposes. Prices were considered to be a shade better than northern rates for halfbreds and on a par with them for Merinos and crossbreds. The clearance was a good o.ie, fully 90 per cent, of the offering selling under tho hammer and it is estimated that a further five per cent, will be disposed of to-night by private treaty. The demand was fully equal to the supply. , The official range of prices, as compared with those ruling at the December sale in 1927 is as follows:- g2g _

WHEAT AND OTHER PRODUCE,

(Australian Press Association.—United Service.) LONDON, Dec. 20. Wheat.—Cargoes are steadily hold and occasionally are 3d per quarter higher. Parcels are in poor demand, but nominally unchanged. Parcels by the Ancliises and Rhexenor sold at 46s 6d per quarter. Liverpool futures: December , 8s lljd per cental; March, 9s 13d; May, 9s 2?d; July, .9s 4gd: Spot trade is slow. Australian ex ship, 495. Flour is quiet, but firm. Australian exstore, 34s 6d. Oats are slightly firmer. Peas and beans are quiet but firm. CHICAGO, Dec. 20.

Wheat futures: December, 1 dollar cents per bushel; March 1 dollar 18J- cents: May, 1 dollar 21i cents.

FROZEN . MEAT,

Dalgety and Co., Ltd., have received the following telegram from London dated December 20:—Lamb: New Zealand prime Canterbury lamb, 28 to 361 b., 93d; North Island 28 to 361 b., 83d; Canterbury, 36 to 421 b., 9gd; North Island, 36 to 421 b-, 83d; Canterbury, second quality, fjd; North Island, second quality, 7id.; Canterbury, 42 to 501 b., B|d; North Island, 42 to 501 b., not quoted. Market weaker, demand limited. Mutton: New Zealand primo Canterbury mutton, 48 to 561 b., North Island, 48 to 561 b., bid; Canterbury, 56 to 641 b., 6id; North Island, 56 to 641 b., s|d; Canterbury, 64 to 721 b., 6d; North Island, 64 to 721 b., s|d; Canterbury ewes, 48 to 641 b., 4|d; North Island ewes, 48 to 641 b., 4id. Market, any change is in favour of sellers, moderate demand. Australia ewes, 3ld to - 4d. Australian lamb, g.a.q, 28 to 361 b., 9d; g.a.q. 36 to 42 lb., 9d; f.a.q., 28 to 361 b 7id; 3rd 7d. Market unchanged, demand runs principally on finest qualities. Australian mutton, g.a.q., 40 to 601 b., 4jd; f.a.q., 30 to 551 b., 4d; Australian ewes, 3g t i to 4d. Market firm, moderate demand. Beef: New' Zealand prime ox beef hinds 4|d fores 3fd. Argentine chilled hinds fores sd. Pork: English pork ere 80 to 100 lbs., lOd; New Zealand porkers 80 to 100 lbs.. 6id.

FEILDING STOCK SALE." GOOD STORE CATTLE YARDING. (Special to "Standard.") FEILDING, Doc. 22. With the exception of tho store cattle section, all lines showed a falling off in supply at the Feilding stock sale yesterday, but quality maintained a. high level, •with the result that little variation in prices "was shown. Fat sheep met with a steady inquiry and, although owes eased slightly, other lines maintained late rates. The penning of store sheep was on the small side and, although not a great amount of interest was shown in the suplies available, sales were made at satisfactory figures. The store cattlo yarding was much heavier than is generally the rule at this period of the year, and'although passings were not infrequent a good sale resulted. Fat stock were available in good numbers, with the exception of ox' beef, of which there was a total absence. Cows and heifers met with a firm demand. s The following is a summary of the prices : Fat Sheep.—b.f. 2ths: 30s, 31s 6d; ewes, 21s, 21s 2d, 21s 6d, 21s 9d, 225, 22s 7d, 235; maiden ewes, 27s 4d, 29s 6d; wethers, 29s Id, 30s, 31s; woolly 2th (1), 41s. Store Sheep.—2th wethers: 275, 29s 6d; b.f. 2ths 28s 4d. Dairy Stock.—Springing heifers: £6, £6 17s 6d, £7 10s, £7 15s, £8 2s 6d, £9 15s, £l4 ss; springing cows, £10; cows in milk, £7 10s, £7 12s 6d; £lO ss, £ll 10s. Store Cattle. —Empty heifers: £5 15s; 2-yr. steers, £8 ss, £8 17s 6; 18mos. steers, £5 2s sd; store cows, £5, £6 10s, £6 14s, £6 17s, £7 lis; 18mos. Jersey heifers, £6 ss, £7 17s 6d £8 13s; weaner Jersey heifers, £3 ss, £4 6s; cows and calves, £6 10s, £6 lis. Fat Cattle—Heifers: £6 12s, £6 17s 6d, £7 10s, £B, £lO, £lO 17s 6d, £ll, £l2; cows, £6, £6 15s, £7 15s, £8 10s, £9 10s, £lO 10s, £ll 9s, £ll 18s 6, £l2.

AUCTIONEERS' REPORTS. Abraham and Williams, Ltd., report: We had a moderate entry of sheep consisting mostly of fats which met a ready sale. We quote as follow: —Fat wethers, 275, 29s Id to £2 Is; fat ewes. 20s, 225, 22s 7d, 29s Id to 31s; fat b.f. 2-tooths, 30s, 31s, 31s 6d. There was a fair yarding of cattle including some very good pens of fat cattle. All classes of cattle met a ready sale. With the exception of fats everything was disposed of under the hammer. Fat heifers light, £7 15b; fat heifers prime, £lO 10s, £lO 17s 6cl; light fat cows, £6 ss, £6 18s, £7 15s, £8 3s, £8 10s to £9 10s; prime fat cows, £lO 10s, £ll £ll 9s to £l2; 2-year steers, £6 10s to £8 Is 7d; bulls, £6 to £6 7s 6d; store cows, £5 7s 6d, £6 17s to £7 ss; weaner Jersey heifers, £3 5s to £4 fcs; heifers r.w.b. to £7 17s; springing heifers, £7 15s to £8 2s 6d; springing cows, £7, £7 15s, £8 2s 6d. £lO to £l4 ss. Dalgety and Co., Ltd., report having a small entry of s-heep and cattle. Quotations : 2-tooth wethers, 28s 4d, 29s 6d; 2-tooth b.f.'s, 28s 6d; dairy cows, £ll 10s; dairy heifers, £lO. LONDON TALLOW SALES. Dalgety and Coy's. London house reports on December 19th as follows on the tallow sales:—s9B casks offered, 173 casks sold. Prices for inferior 6d per owt. lower, other descriptions unchanged. 4

124.05 124.21 Now York, dollars to £1 4.854 4.866 Montreal, dollars to ( £1 4.86J 4.866 Brussels, belgas to £i ... 34.88 35 Geneva, francs to £1 ... 25.18 25.22A. Amsterdam, florins to £1 12.08 12.107 92.65 92.46 Berlin, reichemarks to £1 20.36 20.43 Stockholm, knr. to £1 ... 18.12 18.159 Copenhagen, knr. to £1 . 18.18 18.19 18.159 18.159 Vienna, schillings to £1 ... Prague, knr. to £1 — 34.42 1633 34.586 24.02 Helsingfors, marks to £1 1922 193.25 Madrid,' pesetas to £1 ... 29.78 25.22 A. Lisbon, escudos to £1 ... 109| 4.50 Bucharest, lei to £1 •■• 809£ 25.22^ Rio de Janeiro, pence to 5 29-32 16 Buenos Aires, pence to 47 11-32 47.62 Bombay, pence to rupee Shanghai, pence to tool Hong-Kong, pence to dol Yokohama, pente to yen Athens, drachma to ±.1 18 1-32 31 24 1-8 22 23-32 375 18 24.58 25.22J

Merino, 60/70: — d. 194 d. d. d. Super ...i to 25i 22 to 27 18 to 19 19 to 21 16 to 174 .174 to 184 17 to 184 184 to 204 Fine : halfbred 56/58:- -■■..• 214 to 25 23 to 26i 19 to 21 21 to 224 Medium halfbred 50/56: 20 to 224 214 to 231 17 to 194 20 to 214 16 to 17 184 to 20 Coarse halfbred 48/50 :'— 19J to 22 21 to 224 17 to 19 194 to 21 16 to 17 17 to 19 Fine crossbred 46/48:184 to 20 184 to 20 17 to 18 17 to 18i Inferior 15 to 164 15 4 t0 16 i Medium crossbred 44/46: — 164 t° 18 16 to 174 Average 15 to 16 14| to 15J Bellies and pieces; . IS to 144 13 to 14 Merino: — Good to super 17 to 19 18 to 21i Low to med. 15 to 18. 16 to 19 Crossbred : — Good to super 17 to 21 16 to 184 Low to med. 14 to 164 14 to 154 Crutchings: — Med. to good 11 to 134 11 to 15 Infer. & seedy 7' to 104 7 to 10 Ix>cks Me*no 8 ,'to 11 9 to 12 Halfbred ... 8 to 11 9 to 104 Crossbred 7 to 84 64 to 84